Keep Your Brain Healthy at Any Age

You have more power over your brain health than you might think. Research shows you can reduce your risk of dementia by up to 45% by managing certain lifestyle and health factors.

Here’s what makes the biggest difference: 

• Avoid harmful habits: Don’t smoke and limit alcohol
• Care for your heart: Control blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and weight
• Protect your senses: Treat hearing or vision loss early
• Protect your head: Prevent falls and wear a helmet during activities like biking or skiing
• Stay active: Move your body regularly and challenge your mind with learning, puzzles or new hobbies
• Stay connected: Spend time with friends and family to support emotional and cognitive health
• Watch your mood: Seek help for depression — it’s a treatable condition that also affects brain health

By taking these steps to support both your vascular and brain health, you can even offset some genetic risks for dementia. Early action helps, but it’s never too late to make changes that strengthen your brain. 

Simple ways to boost your brain health

• Eat the Mediterranean way. Enjoy fish or other sources of omega-3s and fill your plate with fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Learn about the Mediterranean diet.
• Get your rest. Aim for 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night and treat sleep apnea if present.
• Use medications wisely. Avoid recreational drug use and talk to your provider about any medicines that may affect memory, including some over-the-counter sleep aids. 

Taking care of your brain is an investment in your overall well-being — today and for the years ahead. Talk to your doctor about how you can maintain your brain health and whether you need screening for dementia or other conditions.